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lovelymisanthrope's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received a copy of this book as a gift.
"A Taste of Sage" is the heartwarming love story between two chefs: Lumi and Julien. Lumi has a special gift: she can taste what the people were feeling when they prepared the food she eats. After some hard times, Lumi is forced to take a job at a traditional French restaurant owned by Julien, one of the most difficult bosses to work for. Lumi curiously tries Julien's cooking one day and is shocked to discover that not only does it taste great, but she wants more.
This was such a sweet RomCom, and I absolutely devoured this story. Lumi and Julien are so much alike that their natural reaction to each other is to be disgruntled by the other. They are both so headstrong and they are both immensely talented chefs that have a unique vision to make them successful at their own restaurant ventures. They are semi enemies to lovers, but it is more of a poor first impression of each other. Once they actually give each other a chance, it is pure adoration.
I really believed in Lumi's and Julien's stories. They are both flawed in different ways, and I really appreciated seeing them open up to one another and allow the other to inspire the best to shine through. They were also both so willing to help each other, and despite any ill-feelings they might have had, they were both still always rooting for each other in their own way.
Something unique about this book is that it features recipes through most of the chapters. Not only were these recipes a fun treat, but they were also for the different dishes that they were discussing in the story. It was definitely something unique that made the reading experience all the more memorable.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a cute story about two chefs who need a little spice in their lives.
"A Taste of Sage" is the heartwarming love story between two chefs: Lumi and Julien. Lumi has a special gift: she can taste what the people were feeling when they prepared the food she eats. After some hard times, Lumi is forced to take a job at a traditional French restaurant owned by Julien, one of the most difficult bosses to work for. Lumi curiously tries Julien's cooking one day and is shocked to discover that not only does it taste great, but she wants more.
This was such a sweet RomCom, and I absolutely devoured this story. Lumi and Julien are so much alike that their natural reaction to each other is to be disgruntled by the other. They are both so headstrong and they are both immensely talented chefs that have a unique vision to make them successful at their own restaurant ventures. They are semi enemies to lovers, but it is more of a poor first impression of each other. Once they actually give each other a chance, it is pure adoration.
I really believed in Lumi's and Julien's stories. They are both flawed in different ways, and I really appreciated seeing them open up to one another and allow the other to inspire the best to shine through. They were also both so willing to help each other, and despite any ill-feelings they might have had, they were both still always rooting for each other in their own way.
Something unique about this book is that it features recipes through most of the chapters. Not only were these recipes a fun treat, but they were also for the different dishes that they were discussing in the story. It was definitely something unique that made the reading experience all the more memorable.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a cute story about two chefs who need a little spice in their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
amandalorianxo's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I know this book was published way before Encanto became a beloved movie but Lumi's ability made me think about Mirabel's mom Julieta except in slight reverse. This is a decent palette cleanser if you need something light or at least less emotionally charged in between any heavier books. Lumi loses her restaurant after not being able to maintain a profit in spite of her and her team's skills - particularly with Dominican cooking as well as other hybrids/ variations. Lumi is then steered towards a French-based restaurant to apply to after running into an old culinary school classmate. Unfortunately, the chef in charge of the French restaurant has been known to be a jerk, to both customers and food critics. Lumi doesn't realize she has already met Julian until they are face to face in their interview. Thankfully, Santos does execute some showing that Julian is a jerk rather than just constant hearsay. I enjoyed the fact that the recipes for the food Lumi and Julian make are actually in the book which pleased me greatly. This does have some spice so be prepared for the steam between the two to heat up ;) Overall, a cute Latinx-based romance. A few plot ideas or storylines could have been tightened just a tad but an easy enough read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Abandonment
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